What Are Sensory Toys? Types, Benefits & Uses

Quick answer: Sensory toys are toys and tools designed to engage one or more of the senses: touch, sight, sound, movement, body awareness and, for chew tools, the mouth. Children use them to explore, calm down, focus, build hand strength and coordination, and practise talking about what they feel.

What is a sensory toy?

A sensory toy is any toy whose main job is to give the senses something to do. That might be a squishy ball to squeeze, a textured mat to walk on, a weighted wrap that feels like a firm hug, or a chew necklace for a child who needs to mouth things.

Most children enjoy sensory play. Sensory toys are also widely used by occupational therapists, teachers and parents to support children who are over- or under-responsive to sensory input, including many autistic children and children with ADHD.

What are sensory toys used for?

Calming and regulation. Squeezing, pressing or fidgeting with something can help some children settle when they feel overwhelmed or anxious. Calm-down corners in classrooms often include fidgets, textured items and finger tracing cards for this reason.

Focus and attention. Some children concentrate better when their hands or feet have something to do. Quiet fidgets and chair bands give that movement without disturbing others.

Fine and gross motor skills. Squeezing, pulling, stretching and balancing build hand strength, coordination and body awareness.

Exploring the senses. Textures, colours and sounds give children new experiences to explore, which is useful for children who avoid certain textures or seek out lots of sensory input.

Language and social play. Describing how something feels (“bumpy”, “soft”, “cold”) builds vocabulary, and sharing sensory toys gives children a reason to take turns and talk.

Types of sensory toys

Not sure where to start? The Sensory Sampler Bundle (25 pieces) lets you try a mix of textures and fidgets to see what a child responds to.

How do sensory toys help autistic children?

Many autistic children experience sensory input differently. Some find everyday sounds, textures or lights overwhelming. Others seek out extra input, such as spinning, chewing or pressing hard. Sensory toys can help in a few practical ways:

• Giving a safe outlet. A chew necklace or fidget can meet a sensory need in a way that works at school and in public.
• Supporting regulation. Firm squeezing or a weighted wrap can help some children calm down after a busy day.
• Making transitions easier. A familiar fidget can help with waiting, travelling or moving between activities.
• Building shared play. Sensory toys are often a low-pressure way for a child and adult to play and talk together.

Every child is different. An occupational therapist can help work out which types of input a child seeks or avoids, and build a sensory plan (often called a sensory diet) around that.

Do sensory toys help with focus at school?

Some children concentrate better when they can move a little. Quiet fidgets, textured strips stuck under a desk, and chair bands that let feet push and bounce are common classroom options. It works best when everyone agrees on simple rules: the fidget stays in hands or under the desk, and it’s a tool, not a toy for throwing.

How to choose the right sensory toy

1. Start with the need. Is the child seeking input (chewing, fidgeting, crashing into things) or avoiding it (covering ears, refusing textures)? Seekers often do well with chew tools, fidgets and resistance. Avoiders may prefer gentle, predictable textures introduced slowly.
2. Think about where it will be used. Quiet, small fidgets suit classrooms. Bigger items such as balance balls suit home, therapy rooms or sensory spaces.
3. Check age and safety. Choose items made for the child’s age, check for small parts with younger children, and replace chew tools when they show wear.
4. Offer choice. Let the child try a few options. What calms one child may irritate another.
5. Ask a professional when needed. If sensory needs are affecting daily life, talk to an occupational therapist.

Using sensory toys at home and in the classroom

• Keep a small calm-down kit in a box or pouch.
• Use sensory toys before demanding tasks, not only after a meltdown.
• Name the feeling and the sensation together (“You’re squeezing hard. Are you feeling frustrated?”).
• Rotate toys so they stay interesting.
• In classrooms, make fidgets available to any child who needs them, so no one feels singled out.

Frequently asked questions

What is a sensory toy for kids?
A toy designed to engage one or more senses, such as touch, movement, sight or sound. It’s often used to help children calm down, focus or explore textures.

Are sensory toys only for autistic children?
No. Most children enjoy sensory play. Sensory toys are also used with children who have ADHD, anxiety or sensory processing differences, and with any child who learns better through hands-on play.

What age are sensory toys suitable for?
There are sensory toys for babies through to teenagers and adults. Check each product’s age guidance, especially for small parts and chew items.

Why are sensory toys important?
They give children a safe way to meet sensory needs, practise motor skills and manage big feelings, which can make it easier to join in at home, at school and in play.

Where can I buy sensory toys in Australia?
Fun Stuff stocks fidgets, chew tools, weighted items, textured toys and sensory kits. Browse our sensory and fidget range or the occupational therapy sensory range, with delivery across Australia and New Zealand.

This article is general information. If you have concerns about a child’s sensory needs, speak with an occupational therapist.